4.75 ⭐

Wow! I was intrigued the entire time I was reading this book! Although it is book two of a series and I haven’t read the first book, I wasn’t left feeling confused or annoyed that I didn’t know what was going on. Of course, I’d love to read the story about how Grace and James met and the friendships that span into this book, so someday I will. ☺️

The plot was fantastic. I was on the edge of my seat while I read, wanting to know what happened next to these characters. The story flowed well with a steady and even pace and was thematically structured, even with the different point-of-views that would switch up mid-chapter. I wasn’t bored for a single moment. The setting was perfect for this story and I felt so immersed in the beauty of the California landscape. The writing was easy to read, clear, and engaging. In other words, it was amazing. 😂 I didn’t give the book the full five stars because, in the blurb, it makes the “Grace rescuing her husband” thing sound like it is the main plot when it’s not. I expected it to be in the book sooner than it was, but it’s no biggie. I still enjoyed it. ☺️

The characters were my favorite. They changed and grew into better people. They made mistakes and owned up to them…eventually. Try getting two strong-headed, determined, and independent people to apologize and admit they were wrong. I know. Whoever can do that kind of miracle deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. 😂 But really, they were great. The Randolphs’s friends were also amazing and I felt like I was a part of their circle as they tried to survive the booming and lawless town of San Fransisco and overcome hardships that inevitably come. I rooted for all of them, especially Grace and James when their marriage was rocky. And the girl power was so great. The women weren’t cold, insufferable, or arrogant nor were they overly-emotional pushovers. It’s great to read about women who are strong yet feminine. ♥️

Imogen Martin is a brilliant writer! I totally recommend this book if you love historical fiction, believable characters, and a wonderful story of love, strength, courage, and redemption.

I received an arc from Storm Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and statements are my own.

(Please note that there is a short scene about a couple making love or whatever you want to call it. It doesn’t ruin the story or anything. Just letting you know so that if you don’t dig that sort of thing, it won’t come as a shock to you when you read. 👍)

#TheMountainsBetweenUs #NetGalley

Grace is a strong woman. She deals with and overcomes the challenges that are presented to her. This is the second book in a series and it open with Grace and her husband finally finding her brother's homestead. But the house is small and starts to feel smaller every day.

So Grace and her husband head to Gold Country after hearing stories of gold in California. Of course there are challenges, expected and not that await them.

This is a well researched novel and it's an interesting read.

Imogen Martin delivers a beautiful story of courage, adventure, love, sorrow and initiative set during the California Gold Rush time period. You really feel the emotions accompanying times of progress and moments of extreme setbacks. There is such a strong sense of place which makes California come alive and the story even more compelling. And Grace. Wow. She is a one of a few characters that makes you proud to be a female. I read this book, not realising that it was the second book in a series. You couldn't tell, meaning you can easily read this one as a stand alone. I think fans of Kristin Hannah, Shelley Read and Amy Harmon will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t think this is the book for me. I requested it not realizing it’s a sequel to To the Wild Horizon, which I wasn’t crazy about. I didn’t like James Randolph and I was never sure why Grace did either. He wasn’t nice or interesting. So I didn’t go into this with very high hopes since it seemed like most of it was about how distant James was emotionally after coming back from war. I don’t like a romance book where there’s no actual romance. Loved the gold mining though, I’ll have to find more gold rush books.

This could definitely be read as a standalone.

I really enjoyed this book, it is well written, with well rounded, likeable characters, it is the first book that I have read by Imogen Martin so obviously I hadn't read the first one in the series, it would have been nice to know the early history of Grace and James but the story was easy to follow as a standalone.
James Randolph had been dishonourably discharged from his post as Captain in the US army for following his principles, he didn't know any other life so with wife Grace they packed up everything they owned and travelled the long journey to Oregon to be with Grace's brothers but James was no farmer and he soon became unsettled. When news reached them of the Californian gold rush, he packed up again and with a reluctant Grace, headed for California.
In the beginning things went well, they found a spot at the side of the river and James panned for gold, they worked as a team. James then decided that they should move to San Francisco where he had heard that they had a better chance of making their fortune, they teamed up with another family and James, his new friend George and his son Simon hit out leaving Grace, Lillian, Georges wife and the family behind.
This story follows the very highs and the very lows of gold prospecting, the danger, the greed but it also illustrates the strength of the women left behind.
Grace was a leader, she rallied the women including Lillian, Cora and Marguerite, two French courtesans who owed their lives to Grace and Ling Mei, a poor Chinese immigrant who Grace had befriended and given employment. They started building a successful business and when they heard that James and his friends were in dire trouble with a ruthless, well arms gang Grace didn't think twice about packing her fire arms and leading the rescue and with a well thought out plan the women set out.
This story is one that had me gripped from the beginning, the author has obviously done a lot of research and it shows.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, this review is totally my own opinion.

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Mountains Between Us.

Grace and her husband James journey from Oregon to California during the gold rush in search of a better life. Then when her husband goes missing she knows she has to do whatever it takes to get him back.

I really wanted to like this book but I felt like it really dragged on and I found myself bored while reading it. I was also not aware that this book was a sequel so I may have enjoyed it more if I had read the other book first. I found it hard to connect with the characters but if I had known the backstory I may have connected with them more.

Set during the California gold rush, this story takes you through the ups and downs of newlyweds, Grace and James, trying to find a place to plant their roots; all the while, navigating new territory, new tribes, and new friends.
This book was a wonderful addition to the story from The Wild Horizon- I had such a hard time putting it down! The characters were so enjoyable and I frequently felt like I was right there along with them. I quickly fell in love with the new characters and really admired how all of the events unfolded.
Great story, and a wonderful message of unwavering loyalty.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this advanced copy, this story will stay with me for a long while.

Grace and her husband James travel to California to try to make their fortune in the gold rush. After an initial success they lose all in a fire and have to start all over again.
This is a much deeper, darker American Historical story than many I have read, similar to the previous book in the series. James, who had been a Captain in the army, was dishonourably discharged but cannot discuss why that happened with Grace. She, in the meantime, is a source of strength for both of them in both their search for gold and trying to make a success of their life afterwards. With tales of friendship, courage and hardships in the lawless West in the mid 19th century I read this book in one day, burning the midnight oil, because I became so engrossed in the story.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Wow! Imogen Martin has triumphed again. With another stunning, evocative cover and gripping blurb, I knew I was in for a fabulous read. Although The Mountains Between Us may be read as a stand-alone novel, I enjoyed meeting up with Grace and James Randolph again. Beautifully written and well-researched, I was transported to nineteenth-century California at the time of the Gold Rush. I felt as if I was there experiencing what the characters were feeling and doing. The pace of the novel is such that I was compelled to keep turning the pages, reading each twist and turn, to the very satisfying ending which I loved. One of the novel's strengths is its characterisation. The author makes each character come alive for the reader to get to know well. I particularly admired how Grace, as a strong woman, was able to resolve situations where obstacles and ordeals seemed impossible to overcome with such ingenuity. Above all, it is a sweeping love story that I enjoyed immensely.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC,

Thank you to @imogenmartinauthor @stormbooks_co @netgalley for the #gifted e-book.

The captivating journey of James and Grace from The Wild Horizon series unfolds against the backdrop of California during the wild gold rush of 1848. After being mysteriously discharged from the army, James carries a heavy burden, one he has yet to reveal to Grace. While they initially plan to visit Grace's brothers in Oregon, James makes a pivotal decision to venture southward to California in quest for fortune. What begins as an adventure filled with hope quickly spirals into heartache, challenging the very foundation of their marriage.

I loved the first book and the journey of Grace and James on the Oregon trail. This story beautifully illustrates a transformation from heartbreak to triumph, showcasing Grace as a remarkable female character who defies the norms of her time. In an era when women's voices were often silenced, she exhibits incredible strength and unwavering support for James, even as he grapples with his inner turmoil alone. The moment he finally opens up about his struggles is profoundly poignant, deepening the emotional connection between them.

The vivid portrayal of the California gold rush era, alongside the hardships faced by settlers, adds to the story and brings to life California's evolution into the 31st state. The writing is exquisite, capturing both the breathtaking landscapes and the complex emotions of the characters. The theme of Providence weaves throughout the narrative, adding layers of depth and meaning.

If you're a fan of historical fiction intertwined with a compelling love story, this book is an absolute must-read. Mark your calendars—it's set to be released on February 18, 2025!

The Mountains Between Us, is the follow up to The Wild Horizon by imaging Martin, it follows Grace and James Randolph, after James gets discharged from the army they go to visit Grace’s brother Zachary and his wife Maggie. This is where they learned there’s been gold found in California. James tells Grace he wants to go, and this is the first time she sees a glint of happiness in his eyes since his discharge and so she agrees. when they reach California they pan for gold and grass Valley and do quite well and a really happy but little does Grace know her happiness will be fleeting. The shadow that James carries will get darker and things are going to get much worse before they get better again. more than once, Grace will have to fall back on the grit and tenacity. She possesses not only to get her husband back but to stay sane in the process. This is an awesome book of found family loyalty, friendship, true love, and happily ever after. I really thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I am not going to lie when James was kidnapped I was so tired of bad things happening to him. I almost threw my phone across the room and stopped reading it, but I am so glad I did not this book was so good and although I did find there was a lot packed in this book and that the scenes went by fast. It still was such a great awesome read, with an even better ending.#NetGalley, #StormPublishing,#TheBlindReviewer, #ImogeneMartin, #TheMountainsBetweenUs, #TheWildHorizon,

I was not able to read 'To the Wild Horizon', so I started this sequel blind, and was still able to appreciate the narrative. 'The Mountains Between Us' begins when Grace and her husband, James, show up in Willamette, Oregon and stay with her brothers to potentially start a farm and establish their lives. Yet, they are battling grief over infertility, James' discharge from the army, and the uncertainty of the American frontier. When news strikes of gold in California, the couple take the risk and move south. I enjoyed reading how Grace and James work together as a resilient team, yet much of this story is marked by tragedy, shame, and peril. Imogen Martin's pacing is excellent in helping the reader be invested in the descriptions of a scene yet progressing through the events swiftly.

If you enjoy reading pioneering historical fiction, then I recommend this book to you! It is a wild adventure with endearing characters.

Special thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This historical saga set in mid-19th century America reminded me a bit of the recent Western film 'Horizon'. It has plenty of twists and turns, building in tension. The book felt very well researched. I enjoyed the descriptions of gold panning, and the spirit of enterprise with which they set up a hotel.

I also liked that the love story was between a married couple - at times Grace's husband James seemed like a stranger to her, at other moments there was great tenderness. Which is to say the characters felt real. I would like to go back and read the first in the series, 'To The Wild Horizon' about how they met.

Favourite line: "James looked at the river. 'We can take a break from making our fortune, just for one day. Lie there in the sun and listen to birdsong.'"

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

This was a good book. It's about Grace and James and the hardships they endured during the gold rush in California. The good friendships that they made, and the love and trust that they had for each in order to survive.

Last year I read a book by this author (To The Wild Horizon) and loved it. When I saw a new book by her, I jumped at the chance to read it. I was more than pleasantly surprised that it was a sequel to the previous book……same characters, continuing on their life's journey.

It's hard to classify this book: historical novel, western, women's fiction, love story (NOT cheesy romance). It's a combination of all. And best of all, it features a very strong woman(Grace) during times when women were not expected to be strong.

The book focuses on the wild and lawless times of the California Gold Rush. It is set mostly in San Francisco's very early days, just getting settled. It graphically illustrates the hardships the people endured. I learned more about the gold rush than I thought I wanted to know….and, it is very interesting.

There were lots of interesting scenes. Some pretty graphic violence (among the gold rush prospectors, no women involved). A ton of interesting characters. There are a couple of Parisienne courtesans, lovely ladies. And, a diverse selection of other characters converging for the Goldrush.

Ms Martin writes excellent stories, both books really captivated me. This book could be a stand-alone, but to anyone reading this review, I strongly suggest you read To the Wild Horizon first. It would really help to understand Grace and Randolph and their character development. This is a link to my review of the first book, also posted on NG.

https://thebookreviewcrew.com/to-the-...

The ONLY negative I have is that the book ended. It was over. I did not want it to end. I have my fingers crossed that it ends up as a trilogy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

BOOK: THE MOUNTAINS BETWEEN US
AUTHOR: IMOGEN MARTINS
PUB DATE: FEBRUARY 2025
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REVIEW- 4.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I read and loved the prequel, The Wild Horizon, to this book, and I was so excited when I saw this book! I quickly downloaded it and gobbled it up. This was a very good addition to the previous book and I liked it! It was unique and different, and I read it in two days while writing exams!
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The book started a couple of years after the end of the first book with Grace and James married, staying in Oregon with Grace's older brother. Then they decided to move to California so they could benefit from the gold rush. They didn't have much, and Randolph had quit his career army and refused to tell Grace what he went through in the Mexican war, so there's some strife between the married couple.
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Our MCs went through a lot in this book, and it shows the struggle of making a marriage work even if the couples love each other. Through the book, their relationship deteriorated, and they even separated because James left to go find work after their second business venture failed. Grace was left alone, and she built a hotel from the ground up with a little help from old and new friends alike.
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I liked like there were new facets to the characters, and there were new themes to explore, too. James' PTSD and lack of communication and Grace wanting a child and not knowing how to deal with the changes in her husband. I turned the pages easily so I could know what was next for Grace and James and how she saved him.
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At the end of the day, Grace, the woman, the wife saved her husband, and James himself opened himself to healing. They were able to move in with their lives and explore new ventures and meet even more amazing people. I liked that the author was able to include diverse characters ranging from Latinx, Chinese, Native Americans. It was nice. The only thing I could have added was that I wished her brothers had been in more scenes. I didn't really read much about them.
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I would definitely recommend this book. In addition to this, you don't need to have read the sequel before you read this. The author explained what happened in the previous book, and there was no confusion.
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a truly brilliant story. the mountains between us takes place in the mid 1800's where grace and her husband james leave their home in oregon in search of gold. they suffer many hardships during their journey in trying to find a better life. grace is a total badass woman and i absolutely ate it up especially during these times women where supposed to be submissive- grace doesn't take shit from anyone.

This Gold Rush story was surprisingly engaging. Here are the five things I loved about it:

🦸‍♀️Grace does not wear a cape and a mask, but she accomplishes amazing things to help her husband succeed in Gold Rush San Francisco. She is one plucky gal!
📕That cover! Absolutely breathtaking. Pioneer times in San Fransciso and the Sierra Nevadas really came to life.
🥰Grace and husband James Randolph leave their blood family behind in Oregon and are blessed with found family in many ways.
🥇I learned new things about how to pan for gold and how camps like the El Dorado took advantage of others in the midst of the fervor.
📚This is part of a series and the first book begins near where I live in Independence, MO. Would love to read more about Grace's story and will be on the lookout for Book #3.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

The Mountains Between Us is a great book exploring the highs and lows of the Gold Mining times of America. When reading this novel, you can tell a great deal of time has been spent researching both the areas and details of gold panning and I found this really interesting to read.

The friendships and comradeship in this book were my favourite part about this book. I found getting to know the different families really interesting and loved that the author has used different nationalities and cultures throughout.

I didn’t realise that this book is the second in a series and although it can be read as a standalone, I think I would have warmed to Grace and James Randolph’s relationship more had I read the first book in the series.

Overall 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Finally, Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this digital arc.

Wow.
I'm a big fan of Imogen's books: I love the epic, sweeping landscapes, the simmering romance and the huge challenges each of her fiery female characters have to overcome, but this one - knocked it out of the park.

Following on from where To the Wild Horizon left off, but also a completely stand alone novel, the story follows the enduring American Dream of finding somewhere to call your own. In the newly developing landscape of gold-rush California, Grace and Randolph encounter everything the harsh and brutally dangerous landscape can throw at them as they venture to build a future for themselves.
At times sweet, heartbreakingly fragile and passionately volatile, their relationship is at times just as tumultuous as their journey, as they learn to endure through hardship and jeopardy. The wider cast of characters, some of them returning from the first book, are fantastically drawn, a real community, and you will be cheering along as they all come together to fight for what's theirs and for their loved ones.
Utterly romantic, at times SO exciting you won't be able to put it down and compellingly realistic in its portrayal of mid-nineteenth century American history. A triumph in story-telling.